Sexual Health: Is Pulling Out Safe?

July 9, 2020

Sexual Health: Is pulling out safe?

For STI prevention, pulling out is not considered an effective risk reduction method. A condom will only help prevent STI risk.

Advantages: It's free and always available. No side effects are associated with this form of contraception.

Disadvantages: Pre-ejaculatory fluid can sometimes contain sperm. Also, pre-cum may pick up sperm left in urethra from previous ejaculation; reinserting penis after ejaculation (outside vagina) presents pregnancy risk.

Ask yourself: Can you use withdrawal method correctly and consistently each time you have sex?

Talk to your partner about concerns. Reach mutual decision on form(s) of contraception and safer sex methods.

 

For more information, see the Go Ask Alice! article on this topic (brought to you by Columbia University).